Bronco

Anything else we should know?

This really sucks and I'm sorry for the loss of these two guys. Having lived outside Bozeman in the mountains for six years, I was curious about the telemetry for this location and pulled up this: http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/nwcc/site?sitenum=384&state=wy data for the Snotel site very close to the site of this accident. It seems difficult to belive there would be any ice left to climb after such warm temps and it serves as a good reminder for all of us to check these sites as part of our trip planning protocol.

A single second tool for the entire rope team that will be shared by each individual at the bergshrund is also a common approach and nice way to shave pounds off the packs.

Thanks Gene! We're planning to do some trips like the Lakeside trail on Lake Chelan and Baker Lake in the N. Cascades. I thought these might warrant some extra filtration but am happy to continue to use Aqua Mira if it's appropriate.

I've typically used idodine tablets but am begining to be concerned about parasites more than the taste of it. I don't see where Aqua Mira comes out and says it kills giardia etc. Anyone know if that's the case? I typically boil water when melting snow but we're talking about doing some lower elevation backpacking trips this summer where there wont be any snow. Not too concerned about weight.

I've concluded the risk/benefit analysis has finally tipped in the favor of aquiring more gear (no big surprise there) and wonder if anyone has a preference between the MSR Sweetwater filter or the Steripen device for low altitude water purification?

Hey that's me!

ran outa gas?

Slept right through the erruption but Dad loaded us three kids in the station wagon and drove down to Camas so we could scoop up bags of ash.

The approach slopes to the South Arete on SEWS are pretty benign and relatively safe from avalanche traffic.

Sounds like you need to stay off of it and RICE for 4 weeks. Better do it now and be 100% in mid June. FWIW I experienced a severe ankle sprain that took 6-8 months to heal 100% because I kept reinjuring it.

The Eddie Bauer Ignitor is on sale for $99 on the EB website. Seems like a fine jacket and comprable to what else is out there. I don't know if this link is any good but here it is: http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Men/Sale/Sale-Outerwear/index.cat#ppl=%7Btype%3A%22transition%22%2CensembleId%3A%2234983%22%2CformatStr%3A%22product%22%2CpassedIdObj%3A%7B%22ensembleId%22%3A%2234983%22%7D%2CcategoryId%3A%2221310%22%2CpathInfo%3A%22C1C2C21306C21310%22%2CcolorId%3A%22014%22%2CsizeIdSelected%3A%22-1%22%2CquantitySelected%3A%22-1%22%2CimageName%3A%22EB09IB_0013922_014C1%22%2CimageTypeCode%3A%22C%22%2CcatPath%3A%22%7E%7EcategoryId%3D21310%7E%7EcategoryName%3DSALE-OUTERWEAR%7E%7EpCategoryId%3D21306%7E%7EpCategoryName%3DSALE%7E%7EgpCategoryId%3D2%7E%7EgpCategoryName%3DMEN%7E%7EggpCategoryId%3D1%7E%7EggpCategoryName%3DEB%22%2Ccs%3A%220%22%7D

HYPOCRITE!

You might check the www.montanaice.com boards for current conditions in the Bear Tooth range.

Could one assume the fact that the climbers were visiting from Quebec played into their decision making process? Was there a lack of experience in big storms predicted on big mountains? Possibly a case of too much experience creating a false sense of security that they could simply descend if the weather was too bad? It would be interesting to know the details of their conversation with the climbing rangers durring their registration.

How about the Scarpa Omega plastic boot? 925 grams per boot (according to the Scarpa Website.) Kind of ugly but seems like the Alpha was a popular boot for a few years and pretty low profile.

I can tell you it felt like 5.11+ when I tried to layback the upper crack.

Intersting, any concerns about upper body and core muscles?

I realized with regular riding, I may need to address some new muscle imbalance issues. Any suggestions for opposition exercises? Rowing, pullups...

Is it in the Monte Cristo area?

This sort of looks like the summit of Mt. Baring.

Looks like the top of Evergreen mountain.

I think he was really relieved, that was his first real alpine climb and he was sure we were off route and going to die. He's not that hot.

That's an "interesting" descent in good weather.

Index N. Peak?